Ross Barkley believes he deserves a recall to the England squad, and he has Maurizio Sarri’s backing

Ross Barkley believes that he has done enough this season to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England team and is backed by Maurizio Sarri for a return to the squad.

Barkley last played for England in an international friendly against Australia in May 2016 and has not been included in any of Southgate’s teams to add to his 22 senior caps.

Southgate will announce his squad on Thursday, ahead of England’s Uefa Nations League match against Croata and a friendly against the United States.

After initially struggling to break into the Chelsea first team after arriving from Everton in January, Barkley has found a new lease of life under Sarri and believes that he deserves another chance in the England side.

When asked ahead of Chelsea’s Europa League tie against Vidi whether he is ready to return, Barkley said, “I believe I am. I am playing a big role and I feel my performances mean that I can be, so hopefully.”

Southgate overlooked Barkley for his World Cup squad from an early date, citing his lack of playing time as the reason why he would not be included. “I was disappointed of course, seeing how the team did and not being a part of it,” Barkley recalled.

“But I knew it would have been the case. I accepted it, and I feel I can be part of the Euros and the World Cup.”

Antonio Conte used Barkley sparingly during their time together, but Sarri’s introduction to Chelsea has given the 24-year-old renewed life at the club and the Italian manager believes he deserves to be recalled by England. “I think so. He is improving week by week. So I think that he can improve more, he has the potential to improve more and to get into the national team,” said Sarri.

“He has played more than last season in the first two months. He had a serious injury and he can improve from the physical and tactical point of view. He can become a very good player.”

Barkley already has nine appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, five more than he accumulated under Conte from January to the end of last season, and says he is thriving in Sarri’s tactical system.

“Right now Sarri’s philosophy has helped me a lot. I haven’t been coached much, but I am at an age where I understand football a lot more. I understand every aspect of the game.

“I had a strong pre-season, I have had a lot of minutes. I just have keep working hard. Sarri is still getting his philosophy across, but I feel his style suits me. He likes to press and to get the ball high up the pitch.

“Last season was tough, but I thought this was a good chance for me to play. There is a lot of technical work, I feel like I am going to continue to improve.”

There was also good news for England World Cup star Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The young midfielder earned a place in the England squad for Russia after a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace, but his time in Chelsea’s first team has been limited on his return to Stamford Bridge.

Injuries and the number of quality midfielders in Chelsea’s team have hampered the number of appearances he has made this season, but Sarri hinted he could be included on Thursday. “He had a problem in the last 5 or 6 days he has been better. He is able to play tomorrow,” said the Chelsea manager. “The pressure is normal for the player of a high level. So he has to get used to the pressure. It is normal of a player with high level to have pressure.

“I have to speak to Pedro. He is doing better, like Loftus. Every player is at a level, but I have to change maybe 5,6,7 players.”